Mary. K. Balon

Mary Katherine Balon, age 78 of Cedar Springs died Sunday, August 23, 2026 at home with Kim Gillow, her partner of 30 years, at her side. She was born in Mt. Pleasant, MI the daughter of Bernard and Beatrice (Bailey) Balon. Mary was a Recreational Therapist at Kent Community Hospital, retiring after 20 years. Prior to that she was a Respiratory Therapist for 17 years. After retirement, Mary became involved in the community. She volunteered at Metron Nursing in the activities department. She was on the Kent Theater board and spent many weekends working the concession stand. An active member of the Cedar Springs Women’s Club, she was Woman of the Year in 2020.

Mary wants everyone to know she had “a heck of a good life and to remember to laugh.” When you hear a train whistle it’s her saying hi as she passes by.

Surviving is her partner, Kim Gillow; siblings, Bernard Balon, William (Marsha) Balon, and Carey (Gary) Harris; special friends, Ann Rancourt, Cindy Gould and Mary Golenbiewski and too many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews to mention. She is proceeded in death by her sisters, Rose Shields, Janice O’Brien and Anna Stelwagon.

Mary hosted her own Celebration of Life while at home on hospice. She didn’t want to miss the party. Family traveled from all over to say goodbye as well as many, many friends. It was friends and family that made it possible for Mary to be at home with Kim, as well as Stacy Faulkner, RN and Tami Myckowiak from Hospice of Michigan. It takes a village.

Kim will greet friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m., on Monday, August 31 at K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.

Memorial contributions in Mary’s name can be made to Cedar Springs Women’s Club or the Kent Theater.